George Carey, former archbishop of Canterbury, has recently resigned as a priest amidst allegations regarding his involvement in the Church of England’s handling of a sexual abuse case. The 89-year-old made this decision after being contacted by the BBC about claims that he allowed a banned priest to return to ministry. In his resignation letter to the Diocese of Oxford on December 4, Carey cited his age as a factor, stating, “I am in my ninetieth year now and have been in active ministry since 1962 when I was made Deacon and then Priested in 1963.”
Controversy Surrounding Lord Carey
The controversy surrounding Lord Carey revolves around his alleged role in facilitating the return of a priest, David Tudor, to the church despite being banned for life due to serious sexual abuse involving two teenage girls. Tudor had previously been suspended from ministry for five years in 1988 after admitting to having sex with a 16-year-old girl he met while serving as a chaplain at a school.
Allegations and Repercussions
The BBC investigation revealed that Lord Carey approved Tudor’s return to the priesthood in 1994 under supervision, a decision made “with some trepidation” according to the Church of England. This revelation has sparked calls for Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell to resign over his handling of the case, further highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Lord Carey’s Legacy
Lord Carey’s tenure as archbishop of Canterbury, from 1991 to 2002, was marked by significant events such as officiating Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997 and ordaining women to the priesthood. His resignation as a priest in light of these allegations raises questions about accountability and transparency within the Church of England, and the impact of such actions on survivors of sexual abuse.
As this story continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing allegations of misconduct within religious institutions and holding those in positions of power accountable for their actions. The repercussions of Lord Carey’s resignation resonate beyond his own legacy, shedding light on the need for greater scrutiny and oversight in cases of sexual abuse within the church.
